Philadelphia is a great city with plenty to offer families, young professionals, and retirees searching for urban amenities and affordable living. With more than 150 distinct neighborhoods, Philadelphia offers many living options that cater to different demographics. While it has plenty of upscale areas, residents will also find plenty of affordable areas offering a high quality of life. Philadelphia ranks as one of the most affordable of all the large cities in the US, based on housing costs and other economic factors. It has a good mix of walkable, family-friendly communities and trendy neighborhoods for college kids and young professionals. So to help you decide where to live in the City of Brotherly Love, here are the top affordable Philadelphia neighborhoods.
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Manayunk – A Trendy Philadelphia Neighborhood on the Schuylkill River
Manayunk is a laid back neighborhood on the banks of the Schuylkill River that offers a small-town vibe in the heart of the big city. It’s known for its many row houses and gorgeous Victorian homes that give it a unique character. The neighborhood is home to more than 275 businesses, including shops, restaurants, galleries, cafes, and more. It’s one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia for those searching for the perfect blend of amenities and affordable living. The median home price in Manayunk is $350,000, and the average rent is $1718, making it very affordable for such a popular urban neighborhood. The northeast Philadelphia neighborhood also has plenty going on, from the Manayunk Bridge Trail to the Pretzel Park Farmers Market. So if you’re looking for an affordable neighborhood in Philadelphia where there’s always something to do, check out Manayunk.
East Falls – A Centrally Located Philadelphia Neighborhood
Further down the Schuylkill River is the neighborhood of East Falls, which is another bustling area offering quiet blocks and affordable properties. The neighborhood is in a central location, offering a quick commute downtown and easy access to major highways and public transportation. The community is home to Thomas Jefferson University and the Drexel University College of Medicine, making it a popular spot for college kids and young professionals. Residents will find plenty of local hot spots and neighborhood eateries in East Falls, such as LeBus East Falls or Fiorno Italian Restaurant. They’ll also find plenty of fresh produce at the East Falls Farmers Market, which takes place every Saturday. The median sales price of a home in East Falls is $345,000, and the average rent is $1444 per month, making it quite affordable for all it offers. So if you’re looking for convenience and excitement without all the added costs, East Falls is one of the best places to live in Philadelphia.
Mount Airy – A Revitalized Neighborhood in Northwest Philadelphia
Mount Airy is another affordable Philadelphia neighborhood offering diversity and varied architectural styles. In the early 2010s, the area experienced a sudden influx of new businesses, which helped revitalize the community and attracted a flood of new residents drawn by the low cost of living and recent cultural resurgence. It’s a highly educated neighborhood, and many residents hold advanced degrees. It’s also known for its racial diversity and has a high population of lesbian households. The Mount Airy Tap Room is a great local watering hole serving craft beers and upscale bar food. The Awbury Arboretum is another notable attraction with over 50 acres of green space and meadows, located near the border of Germantown. The median list price for a home in Mount Airy is $227,600, while the average rent is $1396 per month, which makes it a manageable neighborhood for families and young working professionals alike. So if you’re looking for a diverse community that is on the come up, Mount Airy is one of the best Philadelphia neighborhoods.
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Torresdale – A Historic Neighborhood on the Delaware River
Torresdale is a peaceful neighborhood on the Delaware River in the far northeast section of Philadelphia. For those who like history, Torresdale is home to several historic landmarks, including the All Saints Episcopal Church, which dates back to 1772, and the Glen Foerd on the Delaware, a historic mansion and estate overlooking the adjacent river. In addition to historic landmarks, residents will also find plenty of pubs, cafes, parks, and other notable attractions nearby. Located in the heart of Torresdale, the John F. Byrne Golf Club is one of the most popular courses in the city. Just outside the neighborhood, across the Pennypack Creek, is the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion, which makes a fun day trip. But despite its coveted location, Torresdale is also very affordable, with a median home price of $290,000 and average rent of $1464 per month. So if you’re looking for a low cost of living and gorgeous views of the Delaware River, Torresdale is the perfect spot.
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Roxborough – A Secluded Neighborhood in Northwest Philadelphia
Roxborough is another calm neighborhood in Northwest Philadelphia, offering quaint, tree-lined blocks and affordable living. The community offers a small-town feel in the midst of the big city, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia for families. Roxborough is full of green space, and residents can relax and have a picnic down or go for a jog at Wissahickon Valley Park, which has over 50 miles of hiking trails and a fishing creek. There are also smaller pocket parks and public green spaces scattered throughout the neighborhood for residents to enjoy on a nice day. You will also find plenty of great shops and restaurants along Ridge Ave, however, the majority of cultural attractions are located in the bordering neighborhood of Manayunk. Roxborough is surrounded by the Schuylkill River and the Wissahickon Creek, which often makes it feel a bit isolated from the rest of the city. However, it’s just a quick walk or drive to some of the best attractions in the city, and its remote location gives it a calmer pace of life that many residents appreciate. Roxborough is very affordable, with a median home price of $320,000 and average rent of $1602 per month. So if you’re looking for a leafy neighborhood with a high quality of life and low cost of living, check out Roxborough.
Parkwood – A Safe Philadelphia Neighborhood in a Prime Location
Located in the far northeastern corner of Philadelphia, Parkwood is a modest neighborhood offering friendly residents and low home prices. As its name suggests, the community has several public parks, including Benjamin Rush State Park, Poquessing Valley Park, and the Junod Playground, which offers everything from jungle gyms to a model airplane field. Residents will also find plenty of shopping close by with the Philadelphia Mills Mall, which features over 200+ outlets and big box stores, a food court, and a movie theater. It has a quiet, suburban atmosphere with low crime, walkable streets, and good schools. Parkwood is also adjacent to Route 63, offering easy access to other parts of the city. However, for all the advantages that it offers, Parkwood is still reasonably affordable. The median price of a home for sale in Parkwood is $300,000, and the average rent is $1494 per month. Parkwood offers suburban serenity in a convenient location, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia for families.
Fox Chase – A Safe, Affordable Neighborhood with Plenty to Do
Fox Chase is a quaint neighborhood in northeast Philadelphia on the border of Montgomery County that offers a low crime rate and affordable real estate. Fox Chase is one of the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia, with a total crime rate that is 38% below the national average. Residents will also find a wide variety of unique attractions, from neighborhood parks to historic homes. Pennyback Park is in Fox Chase and covers 1600 acres of woodlands, which is home to 150 unique species of migrating birds. The Ryerss Mansion is also located in Fox Chase, a historic residence built in 1859, offering one of the best views in Philadelphia. The largest employer in the neighborhood is the Fox Chase Cancer Center, which specializes in cancer treatment and research. Plus, residents will find plenty of great shops and restaurants near the intersection of Rhawn Street and Oxford Ave. In addition to being one of the safest neighborhoods in the city, it’s also quite affordable, with a median home price of $282,400 and an average rent of $1262 per month. So with a high quality of life and a low cost of living, Fox Chase is one of the best places to live in Philadelphia.
Bustleton – A Family Friendly Philadelphia Neighborhood with Good Schools
Bustleton is another popular northeast Philadelphia neighborhood boasting affordable living and low crime. Along with Fox Chase, Bustleton has one of the lowest crime rates in the city, which is 51% lower than the national average. It’s primarily a residential neighborhood, although residents will find a few small commercial areas around Roosevelt Boulevard, Bustleton Avenue, Grant Avenue, and Red Lion Road, featuring local businesses, restaurants, shops, and more. Bustleton is also served by multiple SEPTA bus and rail routes, offering easy access to other neighborhoods and downtown Philadelphia. There are several historic churches in Bustleton, including the Pennepack Baptist Church, one of the oldest Baptist congregations in the country. Bustleton is also one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia with good schools, and some of the top institutions in the School District of Philadelphia serve the community. Plus, the Philadelphia Free Library has a Bustleton Branch at Bustleton Avenue and Verree Road. The median price of homes for sale in Bustleton is $312,500, and the average rent is $1350 per month, which is quite affordable for all the value it offers residents. So if you’re searching for good schools, low crime, and a calm pace of life, Bustleton is a great place to live.
Map of Affordable Philadelphia Neighborhoods
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